Successful Rescue of 41 Workers

On November 29, 2023, a successful rescue operation concluded after 400 hours of intense effort. All 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand were safely evacuated. They were transported to AIIMS-Rishikesh by a Chinook helicopter for thorough medical evaluation. Currently, they are under observation at the hospital, where their health and mental well-being are being assessed.

Government Response and Compensation

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the workers at the health center, where he presented each rescued worker with a cheque for Rs 1 lakh. Additionally, he announced a reward of Rs 50,000 for each of the rat-hole mining experts who assisted in the rescue.

Rescue Operation Details

The operation, which began on November 12, was marked by numerous challenges. After the drilling machine failed, miners had to manually dig the final 12 meters to reach the trapped workers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally praised the workers during a phone call, commending their resilience and patience throughout the ordeal.